Pitt back James Conner looking to become finished product

PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh junior James Conner shed some weight in the offseason in hopes of shedding more tacklers this fall.

Conner was the ACC Player of the Year in 2014, running for 1,765 yards and accounting for a school-record 26 touchdowns. Still, he dropped 10 to 15 pounds off his 6-foot-2 frame to give him a little more speed once he reaches the secondary.

The Panthers will rely heavily on Conner under first-year coach Pat Narduzzi. New offensive coordinator Jim Chaney says while there will be new wrinkles in the Pitt offense, Conner was so successful last season there is no real need to change much.